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(Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff)

While it took longer than expected for the canvas to come off the statue -- Bobby Orr's raised stick was the culprit behind the snag -- the unveiling of one of the NHL's signature moments took place outside the west walkway of TD Garden this afternoon.

The Goal, a bronze statue capturing Orr's Cup-clinching strike on May 10, 1970, is now a permanent resident in front of the Garden.

"Everyone over the age of 40 claims to have been there when the goal was scored," said sculptor Harry Weber.

Harry Sinden, coach of the 1970 club, recalled watching the goal take place -- a sequence that saw Derek Sanderson send a pass to Orr.

"When Bobby left his position to go in and take that pass from Derek, we were watching once more the ultimate risk/reward player that ever played," Sinden said.

Also in attendance were Mayor Thomas Menino, owner Jeremy Jacobs, and Garden president John Wentzell. The humble Orr thanked his family, friends, and teammates.

"He would much prefer a statue of 20 players standing around congratulating each other on the ice after the goal was scored," Sinden said. "He really doesn't like to take the focus away from what was a great team to himself. But I think this is very, very apropos. It will be here for a long time."